PERMIT TO WORK - CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT - 16.04.2018

Control contractors effectively

Keep control

If you have contractors on site, you need to make sure that you have made appropriate arrangements to ensure they can complete the work asked of them safely. For example, you’re not asking them to work in an area that has high traffic movement, or near other potentially hazardous operations.

Tip 1. Ideally, make sure you’re set up properly, even if the contractors are completing relatively minor works. The better organised you are, the less chance there is of something going wrong preventing the contractor from getting on with their job.

Tip 2. Follow the same principle when it comes to paperwork. Even if it’s a small job, make sure that there is a paper trail in place.

For example, the contractor has formalised their safe systems of work in a method statement and risk assessment. The documents don’t have to be long and complicated, but they should be project specific.

Tool for the job

To help you get organised, use our new permit to work - contractor management document. Completing this simple form will help you to understand what work is being completed and when, and that you’ve done everything required of you to ensure it’s completed without a hitch.

Tip. Complete a permit for each job. So if you have multiple contractors on site, you need a fresh permit for each one.

Task specific

The document is completed by whoever is managing the work on your behalf. We have referred to this individual as the project manager. They should assign the permit a unique number, date it and identify how long it is to be in place for.

Tip. If it’s a small project, the permit can be live for the whole job. If it’s longer, it may be best to do one which covers a week.

Note. There are no set rules on how long a permit can run for. You should make a judgement on what works best for you and the contractor.

Who’s on the job?

The next sections provide space for you and the contractor to identify who is completing the work, any potential hazards and the control measures that are to be in place. For example, the scope of works has been agreed, the contractors work area is segregated, etc.

Tip. To control who is on site and when, we suggest that you ask all contractor staff to sign in and out when they are on your grounds.

Sign-off

Next, the document asks the project manager and the contractor’s representative to sign to authorise the work to be started. The document includes space for the same people to confirm that the permit has been cancelled.

For a permit to work - contractor management document, visit http://tipsandadvice-healthandsafety.co.uk/download (HS 16.15.05).